Children infected with RSV had more than twice as many ED visits and six time more hospitalizations that those with seasonal flu.

Parents of children with RSV missed almost three times more workdays than parents of children with seasonal flu.

Parents of children under age 2 were nearly five times more likely to miss work when their child had RSV versus seasonal flu.

RSV-related illnesses were twice as likely as seasonal flu to lead to additional clinic visits and antibiotic treatment.

Though this study used data from the pre-H1N1 era, the flu-prevention measures preached here and everywhere — handwashing, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, staying home when sick — still apply. RSV strikes virtually all young children and is a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It's a particular threat in premature infants, children with weakened immune systems and the elderly.

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